Five hikers were determined to hike Clemmer Trail in the Cherokee National Forest on Saturday. Driving along the Ocoee, we turned onto Rt 30 and immediately the trailhead and parking were to our left. Our packs, coats, and hiking poles were gathered and adjusted, and we headed up the mountain side. Of course as we hiked uphill, we warmed and shed the coats. But this cloudy day, with gusts of wind, chilled us as we snuggled back into our wraps. We rocked hopped a modest number of wet weather creeks. Will taught us the splash technique in creek crossings – splash your boot on the rocks so water goes everywhere except in you boot. Hmm…Soon we reached the spur to Benton Falls and enjoyed lunch on the rocks, listening to the roar of crashing water.
Returning the way we had come, but downhill now, we spied a few brave violets and chickweed blooming.
The hike was 9.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 1388 feet, and a moving time of 4 hours 47 minutes.
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here.